Finally making the switch to tankers (help deciding between 2 companies)

It’s been a long time guys.....

It’s time to start my final (hopefully) trucking gig, and need some insight as I’m brand spanking new to tankers (did my first 3 road test EVER in a tanker yesterday) with the info below: Please tell me which way you’d lean......

But keep this in mind: Your significant other is pregnant with your 1st kid, and you’ve never ever driven in snow....

Praxair- (hauling liquid nitrogen mainly) $29/hr {This is TOP PAY}, OT after 8, DT after 12] ($27/hr while training), could ride a bicycle to work (that’s how close I am), ONCE A WEEK: will have a run that requires a layover (either down to Los angles, or up to Oregon) , cameras front and inside in truck, Also was told they like to keep they’re drivers “right under 60 hours for the week”

OR.....

KAG
Hauling fuel to gas stations, you “WILL work a 12 hour shift”, $30/hr ($24/hr while training, OT after 40 hours, {position tops out at $34/hr after 2 years} home every night every DAY actually-as both jobs are night positions), No cameras in truck, Commute to work: 30 minutes

This might seem like a “no brainer” decision, but I know nothing about the companies, I just know I left both interviews having a good feeling about who I’d be reporting to. Any insight?

 

I know nothing about hauling nitrogen, so I can't compare them, but I always did like a short as possible commute, currently 10 minutes.
It does depend a lot on the terminal manager, but I work for KAG hauling gas/diesel and am happy enough that I bought my own truck, and signed on with them. Everyone is different though, where some are happy, others are not.
As a company driver you will share a truck, and that could determine how happy you are. If you get a good partner, all is well, if you get one of the jagoff's, well..... Comes back late all the time (maximizing his hours, screw you), always leaves a load on the truck, leaves his trash in the truck, doesn't fuelup or clean windshield, etc. Make sure you talk to him and see how he wants to work with you.
Best bet is to talk to a driver doing a drop if you get a chance. Where I am we don't get pushed hard, usually have plenty of time for our scheduled drops. We can call off if weather is too bad, I don't see that as a problem in your area. KAG seems to be one of the few companies that practices what they preach on safety, at least where I am.
Fuel is not a place to be daydreaming, you must stay focused, and double check everything. Don't push yourself too hard, haste makes waste. Take your time, you're paid hourly. Keep your mind on your driving, (no cell phone) and avoid road rage at all costs!
Stay in contact with dispatch, let them know if you are having trouble, other drivers will usually assist too, even other company drivers.

 

Praxair; no question about it.

 

@Chinatown: I value your opinion ALOT! (as do many around here), but if you have the time could you elaborate a little...(maybe I’m only looking at the monetary side of things and shouldn’t.... but frankly, it’s the idea of having to go north (Oregon) and having to potentially chain up in the winter time that has me leaning the other way.....

but again: I was hoping you’d chime in, as your opinion is well well respected here.

 

I pulled hazmat tankers for 5 years.
Fuel hauling is one I'd never consider, because of potential for bumping into something while delivering to gas stations, especially in congested cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. Customers at gas stations couldn't care less about the truck driver delivering gas and don't even think about blocking you in or smoking near the truck and will tell the driver to "stuff it" if they don't like it.
At least with Praxair you won't have to deal with that and get to stretch it out on some long runs to Oregon, etc. every now and then. When I pulled hazmat tankers OTR, I never even one time had a bad experience with a customer.
Probably have good benefits with Praxair. It's an international company and here to stay.
Info:
"Praxair, Inc. is an American worldwide industrial gases company. It was the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and the third-largest worldwide by revenue. In 2018 it merged with Linde AG to form Linde plc."

 

I remember you now; you changed your avatar. Am I right?

 

Yes I did, it was an old pic of the back of my head, wow, you have an awesome memory!!

 

That's what I was thinking. The nearness to home with Praxair and the hourly plus OT and DT sounds fantastic.

Driving in snow is not that big of a deal, just drive slower than ANYONE else on the road and drive like you have no brakes. It's not like a cryo company is going to be pushing their drivers to hammer down in winter conditions.

 

I've done both while running out of terminals in Southern California. Inner city fuel hauling will be very busy which usually means alot of short full loads. We ran around 4-5 loads a shift on 12hrs with fuel and you will be dealing with the general public and very tight stations at times.
Cryo is usually longer runs to private customers and less physical then fuel. Downside is offloading and loading in cold and wet weather. Depending on the product temps can range from -300 to -400 degrees which drops the ambient temperature alot and can make your gloves freeze to hoses valves etc. I love cryo though and would find it hard to go back to fuel, also most cryo drivers are former fuel haulers.

 

I’m surprised the $5.35/hr difference in pay didn’t sway anyone away from prax.